An estimated 21 million preventable household injuries occur each year, according to the Home Safety Council.

"Lots of those happen in the garage," says Mike McMahon, co-owner of the Overland Park, Kan.-based company Life Uncluttered by Affordable Garage.

"There are at least 65 million garages in the United States," McMahon says. "And from what I've seen, I'd say the majority of them are hazardous in some way." The problem is not difficult to remedy.

"With a good cleaning and some simple organization using appropriate shelving, cabinets and hooks, almost any garage can become safe and functional," he says. "The bottom line is that when a garage is clean and organized, it's safe."

• Organize kids' toys and equipment in one easy-to-reach area. This prevents children from rummaging through the entire garage.• Label poisonous products. Make sure these products have child-resistant caps and are stored in a locked cabinet or on a high shelf.• Mount a fire extinguisher and stocked first aid kit in the garage. Make sure every member of the household knows how to use them.• Store heavier items close to the ground.• Use the maximum safe wattage in light fixtures so the garage is well lighted.• Hang tools, rakes, bicycles and other potentially dangerous items from hooks designed for their safe storage.• Install a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector.

• Leave cars running inside a closed — or open — garage. A running car can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.• Store gasoline or other flammable liquids in the garage if there is an appliance with a pilot light there.• Overload outlets. Do not exceed the proper loads on extension cords.• Overload shelving units. Do make certain they are properly secured to the wall.• Forget maintenance on your garage door. Have it serviced regularly, because it probably is the largest and heaviest moving object in your house.